Registration as a drone or UAS operator has become mandatory for most drones, with the entry into force of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on 31 December 2020.
If you operate in either a professional or recreational activity you must be registered as a drone operator if you use any of the following types of drones or UAS:
- Si usas cualquier aeronave no tripulada en ‘categoría abierta‘:
- More than 250g MTOM (total take-off mass) or in case of a collision your drone can transfer a kinetic energy of more than 80 joules.
- Irrespective of their weight, as long as they have built-in imaging equipment (cameras), unless in compliance with Directive 2009/48/EC (“Toys Directive”).
- Any unmanned aircraft of any MTOM in ‘specific category’.
In short, you are saved from having to do this if you have a so-called unlicensed drone that is less than 250 grams, as long as it is considered a toy in the manufacturer’s technical specifications.
Although you should be aware that drones such as the DJI Mini, DJI Mini 2, Hubsan Zino SE or Xiaomi Fimi X8, although they weigh less than 250 grams require registration as a UAS operator to fly in the ‘open category’, as they have a device that allows the capture of personal data (e.g. camera) and their type no is covered by Community Directive 2009/48/EC as it is not considered a toy by manufacturers. More information.
Steps to register as a drone operator
You must have a drone operator’s registration number (UAS) of on a compulsory basis if you are a qualified drone operator based on the law 18/2014 and RD 1036/2017 (with the exception of NON EASA activities), and this number must be included with an flame-retardant number plate on all your drones and on the remote control of the drone you fly.
Registration as a drone operator in Spain is free of charge and can be done through the AESA website.
The steps are very simple and are very clear in the following video that I show you below:
You no longer have an excuse for not registering as a drone operator if this is your case.
Once you have registered you will get a card like this one, in which your ID number will appear, and depending on the permits you already have, they will be reflected on the right.
As you can see I have all the necessary to fly in ‘open and specific category‘.
Expiry date of drone operator’s registration
All ID cards have an expiry date, and this one is no exception. To meet the requirement to be registered, drone operators are asked to review the information provided at least every 2 years by logging into their UAS application account, via this link.
You can also change the expiry date of the registration certificate on your own initiative by clicking on the change button in the register.
I hope I have shed some light on this issue that has so many people confused. You can also leave me any questions you have and don’t hesitate to contribute things that you think may help other users of this website.
